The state Community Affairs Department, which oversees Paterson's budget, ordered Jones and top officials to return the $51,000, which they did. As salaried employees, they're not eligible for overtime.

Jones refused to testify on Oct. 12 after the council wouldn't delay its hearing to give him more time respond to a request for payroll record, calling the proceeding "a kangaroo court."

He now says he's concerned the continuing arguments will discourage new business from investing in Paterson.